Common concerns to discuss
- Frown lines: lines between the eyebrows that become more noticeable when you frown.
- Forehead lines: horizontal lines that appear when you raise your eyebrows.
- Crow’s feet: lines at the outer corners of the eyes when you smile.
Your assessment determines which product, area, or alternative may be appropriate. Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau are not approved for all the same uses.
Understand your options
What do wrinkle relaxers do?
Botox Cosmetic and Jeuveau temporarily reduce activity in selected muscles. This can soften the appearance of lines created by facial movement. They do not add volume, remove every crease, or stop the skin from aging. A line visible at rest may remain even when movement is reduced.
These are prescription medicines, not interchangeable beauty products. Botox Cosmetic’s approved cosmetic uses include frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Jeuveau is approved for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults. Product choice and suitability require an individual assessment. An approved use does not mean treatment is appropriate for everyone.
Possible benefits, without overpromising
- A softer appearance of certain expression lines.
- A nonsurgical treatment option for an appropriate adult patient.
- A temporary change rather than a permanent alteration.
Natural-looking is a preference we discuss, not a guaranteed outcome. Skin quality, facial anatomy, muscle activity, and your response to treatment all affect the result.
For volume loss, learn how dermal fillers differ. For texture or acne scars, explore microneedling. Another approach, or no procedure, may be a better fit.
What happens at your appointment?
Begin by describing your priorities. It helps to point out the area that bothers you and explain what you want to keep, such as movement or your familiar expression. Ask about the likely degree of change, alternatives, and the limits of treatment before deciding.
A suitability assessment considers your facial movement and medical history. Treatment, if appropriate and agreed, involves small injections into selected muscles. You may feel brief pinching. Your visit also needs time for questions, consent, and aftercare, not just the injections themselves.
Before proceeding, make sure you understand the recommended product, treatment areas, expected cost, and how to contact the practice afterward. Booking a consultation is not a commitment to have injections.
Preparing safely
Bring an up-to-date list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Tell your practitioner about previous injectable treatments, reactions, facial procedures, and any muscle or nerve conditions. Mention pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding, since safety information is limited.
Some medicines and supplements can affect bleeding or interact with treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask the clinician who prescribed it and your treating practitioner for guidance. The American Academy of Dermatology’s preparation guide explains why this history matters.
A known allergy to the product or infection at the proposed injection site can rule out treatment. If your health changes before your visit, let the practice know rather than assuming your original plan still applies.
Results take time and are temporary
You should not judge the result in the mirror immediately after treatment. Changes develop over days, and the timing and duration vary by product and person. The American Academy of Dermatology describes results commonly appearing within 3 to 7 days and lasting about 3 to 4 months. This is general guidance, not a promise for your treatment.
Ask when your own result should be assessed and what to do if it feels uneven or different from what you expected. Do not assume that more product is automatically the answer. Any later treatment should follow a fresh assessment and appropriate product-specific timing.
Aftercare and possible downtime
Many people can continue ordinary daily activities, but temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising can be noticeable. Leave room for that possibility when planning around photographs, work, or an important occasion.
Follow the instructions given for your actual treatment. Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas, and ask when to resume strenuous exercise, facial treatments, or other activities that put pressure on the area. The AAD’s patient FAQs cover common aftercare questions. Individual advice takes priority over a general online checklist.
If something concerns you afterward, contact the practice at 916-910-0018. Do not wait for a routine follow-up if symptoms are getting worse.
Risks worth understanding
Possible side effects include injection-site discomfort, bruising, swelling, headache, temporary eyelid or brow drooping, and unwanted weakness or asymmetry. Treatment cannot be described as risk-free or guaranteed to have no downtime.
Botulinum toxin medicines carry a boxed warning about effects spreading beyond the injection area. This can cause serious symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, hours to weeks after an injection. Seek emergency medical help for these symptoms or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Generalized weakness or vision changes also need prompt medical assessment. Read the Botox Cosmetic prescribing information and discuss the safety information for the product being considered.
This overview cannot list every possible risk or determine your suitability. Your consultation should leave you with enough information to weigh the potential benefit against the downsides for you.
Your questions, welcomed
Botox & Jeuveau FAQs
Is Botox the same as Jeuveau?
Both are prescription botulinum toxin treatments, but they are different products. Jeuveau is approved for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults. Botox Cosmetic has additional approved cosmetic uses. Their units are not interchangeable. Your treatment area and health history help guide the choice.
Will I still look like myself?
The aim is a result that fits your features and preferences, not a different face. Discuss how much movement you want to retain and what you would consider too much change. No treatment can guarantee a particular appearance, and temporary asymmetry or unwanted weakness can occur.
Can wrinkle relaxers replace filler?
Not usually. Wrinkle relaxers reduce targeted muscle activity, while fillers add volume. Lines caused by repeated movement and changes caused by volume loss need different assessments. A consultation can help you understand the distinction without assuming you need either treatment.
How much will my treatment cost?
Treatment costs depend on the product and individualized plan. We will discuss the cost before any treatment is performed.
What if I am not ready to have treatment?
You can use a consultation simply to ask questions. Bring the concerns that matter to you, whether that is a particular line, the possibility of looking overtreated, or understanding recovery. Taking time to decide is a reasonable part of informed care.
Do you have an Elk Grove office?
No. Our only office is at 7501 Hospital Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95823. We welcome people from Elk Grove and nearby communities at this Sacramento location.
Is a standard aesthetic consultation free?
Yes. All standard aesthetic consultations are completely free ($0), with no reservation deposit, consultation fee, credit card requirement or obligation to purchase treatment. Treatment costs are separate and will be discussed before any treatment is performed.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my consultation?
We kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice as a courtesy. Free consultations have no cancellation or no-show fees. Clients arriving more than 10 minutes late may need to reschedule. Repeated no-shows may result in restricted online scheduling, with future appointments arranged directly through our office. Contact the practice at 916-910-0018 to change your appointment.
Visit our Sacramento practice
AB House of Aesthetics is located at 7501 Hospital Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95823. We welcome patients from Sacramento, Elk Grove, and nearby communities at this one office.
A free consultation gives you space to discuss what matters to you, understand your options, and decide on your next step. Contact the practice with a question, or book through our existing Aesthetic Record system.
Book a Free Consultation